The purpose of this program is to ensure that leadership for young women is given attention and action in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. While YWCA St. John’s recognizes that there are young women already doing great things in our communities, we strongly believe they have the potential to do even more.

This program educates girls about identity, positivity, and being yourself in a world that doesn’t always want us to do that.

— Young Women's Leadership Program Participant, 2015

As a means to address the underrepresentation of women in positions of leadership, YWCA’s Young Women’s Leadership Program aims to equip young women with the required tools to exercise their leadership abilities with peers in their communities. Such leadership roles undertaken by these young women will encourage confidence and leadership tendencies throughout their lives.

The program consists of two day training involving discussion of Anti-Oppressive Practice, facilitation skills, group dynamics, conflict resolution strategies, and how to handle disclosures. This training also provides participants with the opportunity to practice these skills by co-facilitating one of four pre-developed modules on themes of Identity, Positivity, Communication, and Action. The program is open to anyone who identifies as a women and is between the ages of 16 and 19.

After completing the training, YWCA works with interested participants who wish to further practice these new skills by coordinating placement opportunities where they will deliver the materials in the community. This adds another dimension to the peer leadership experience, and provides a great role modeling for their younger peers who attend these sessions.

Past Events

2017

YWLP was held on August 14 and 15 at the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network.

2016

YWLP was once again held at the Newfoundland & Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network's Learning Centre in Pleasantville.